Press Releases
House Intelligence Committee Completes Markup of FY14 Intelligence Authorization Bill
Washington, DC,
November 21, 2013
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Susan Phalen
House Intelligence Committee Completes Markup of FY14 Intelligence Authorization Bill Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Dutch Ruppersberger of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence announced today that the Committee’s markup of the Fiscal Year 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act, H.R. 3381 passed the Committee by a voice vote. The bill provides resources for critical national security programs, including those that prevent terrorist attacks against Americans. The total intelligence funding authorized by the bill is slightly below the level the President requested. Some highlights include: • an increase of $75 million to address insider threats; • additional funding to improve collection against specific adversaries; • full funding of the DNI’s information technology modernization and consolidation initiative; • additional positions for counterintelligence; • maintaining critical Navy ISR and medical intelligence; • a reduction of more than $130 million in space programs; • a reduction of more than $75 million in a major information technology effort. Further, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) authored language in the bill requiring a declassification review of documents collected in Abbottabad, Pakistan, during the Osama bin Laden operation, to further highlight al Qaeda’s growth and spread under bin Laden’s leadership. Rep. James Langevin (D-RI) offered two amendments which were both adopted by a bipartisan majority. The first amendment helps support educating the cyber workforce of the future and seeks to expand on existing programs, looking for cost effective solutions. The second classified amendment studies ways to enhance the insider threat programs by looking for those who would harm this nation not only by stealing secrets to sell to foreign nations, but also by leaking classified information in violation of their oath to protect it. “I am pleased that this Committee continues to build upon the good, bipartisan work we began in 2011. Since that time, the Committee has produced bills that have saved the taxpayers billions of dollars, were first to address insider threats, increased attention to counterintelligence efforts, curbed personnel growth, shaped the execution of important national security policies, and enhanced investment in cutting-edge technologies critical to the security of the nation. This bill continues that great work, and I look forward to its enactment,” said House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. “Our nation continues to face violent and changing threats from terrorists and other groups that want to harm Americans and American interests. It is the House Intelligence Committee’s responsibility to give our intelligence professionals the resources, authorities and capabilities they need to protect our nation, while also conducting effective oversight. This solid, bipartisan bill does that by protecting our national security while also protecting privacy and civil liberties,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee. The bill now moves to the House Floor for consideration. “I urge my colleagues in the House to approve this important bill so that our intelligence professionals can continue their vital work to keep America safe,” Chairman Rogers said. Chairman Rogers’ Opening Statement Ranking Member Ruppersberger’s Opening Statement -30- **For regular updates, “Like” the HPSCI Facebook page, follow @HouseIntelComm on Twitter or go to the HPSCI Website. To unsubscribe/ subscribe to Committee email updates, click here to update your preferences |